ICE officers to attend Super Bowl after Bad Bunny halftime headliner announcement, Lewandowski says

Corey Lewandowski, a senior adviser at the Department of Homeland Security, announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be present at the 2026 Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California, where Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny is scheduled to perform the halftime show. Lewandowski emphasized that the administration’s policy is to enforce immigration laws at all public events, stating, “There is nowhere that you can provide safe haven to people in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else.” He further asserted that individuals in the country unlawfully would be apprehended and deported, regardless of the event.

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has previously expressed concerns about ICE presence at his concerts. In a September interview with i-D Magazine, he explained that he avoided performing in the U.S. during his recent world tour due to fears that ICE could target his fans, particularly those who are undocumented.

The NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl halftime show has sparked controversy among conservative circles. Critics, including Lewandowski, have accused the artist of harboring anti-American sentiments, citing his activism and Spanish-language music. Lewandowski described the decision as “shameful,” suggesting that the NFL should have chosen an entertainer who would unite rather than divide the audience.

Despite the backlash, the NFL has stood by its choice, highlighting the importance of diverse representation in its programming. Bad Bunny has framed his upcoming performance as a tribute to his culture and heritage, stating that it is “for my people, my culture and our history”.

The controversy underscores the ongoing cultural and political tensions surrounding immigration and representation in major U.S. public events. While the NFL has not commented on the specifics of ICE’s presence at the Super Bowl, the situation has drawn national attention and sparked debate over the intersection of politics, entertainment, and law enforcement.

SOURCE: THE HILL